Hi all! I am (excitedly) shopping for a truck so I have better access to hiking trailheads and such and I am wondering if there is somewhere a person new to 4x4 driving could learn how to get started safely? I'm not sure if something like that exists and figured this would be a good place to ask! I want to make sure I don't do anything stupid and I know next to nothing about off road driving. 5040 is one of my favourite hikes and I am looking forward to being able to get up that logging road to the trailhead in my own vehicle! Thank you in advance for your input! :)
I would think going on a trail run with some of the members on here would be the best way to start its always better to go with some one when your new ..........What kind of wheeling are you interested in i am more into exploring old mines plane crash old towns some guys into rock crawling some into very heavy trails some into mud .........And where abouts are you west coast is big place
Thanks! I'm in Ukee but I drive across Island all the time. I don't want to do anything crazy, I would just like to be able to do things like drive the decommissioned logging roads safely (get up to 5040 trailhead off highway 4 for instance). :)
I'm self taught. its a longer process on your own, i'd say just feel confident in changing your spare tire on your vehicle, start with logging roads, and get comfortable. If you're a good driver, you'll be good on a 4x4, in my opinion. step it up as you come across stuff you wanna try. always be prepared to get towed. I'd say its not a matter of if, but when.
or go to a meetup, like lauchlin said. guaranteed to learn faster watching other people, and following their lines.
Youtube videos too. learn a lot of what /not/ to do by watching fails.
Great thank you! I am an accomplished tire changer haha! :D
Looks like you got into Wheeling for the same reason I did! Currently I'm self taught. I watch YouTube videos in my spare time, it's amazing what you can learn from seeing the lines other people take through trails.
That being said, is also about knowing your vehicle and what it can do. Every time Im out I try and push my limits within reason.
Have fun though, this is a great community and everyone seems to be willing to share some info.
It's a great reason to get into it I think! :) Thanks for the suggestion! I am still deciding about a vehicle, every time I think I've decided I then think of something else. I need to be able to haul gear and big dogs, and my one dog spends a huge amount of time in the vehicle so I am not totally sure about having her in a truck bed under a canopy. Decisions decisions! :D
My personal opinion, after seeing some videos where people got thrown out of truck bed on some large whoops. Is that I would never put a dog in the bed, I don't know what I would do if I had a pupper get injured from something on the trail.
I keep my pup in the front seat and just go slow...if your passenger or pup gets thrown out obviously you were going too fast for the terrain your on...just saying.
If I get a truck I would put a canopy on it and it will have a dog containment system built in (younger dog is a working dog that spends a lot of time in the vehicle). :) Thanks for all the help!
And yes, I agree that I would also never forgive myself if I did something that harmed one of my dogs!!
Hey Reanne, I was up the 5040 road today, on my way to triple peak. The road has been cleaned up a lot due to the new hut on 5040. I bairly need 4wd at all, only used it as a precaution to make sure I didn't have any issues. Most of the cross ditches have been filled in, not smoothed over, but filled with blast rock. There's also a new parking area at the trailhead. We did hit some snow that need crampons and ice axes on our route up triple peak, but 5040 looked clear of snow!
This might be the summer for you to check it out!
Oh wow thank you for the update!! I wondered if the ACC hut would mean road improvements. Don't have my truck yet but maybe can get up there with a friend. My favourite view on the Island! :)
Hi reanne,
Next time you go up 5040vlet me known as its on my list! Would be much appreciated thanks!
Hey Lance I was up there last month just after I got my truck and the road is in great condition, a little snow and a couple rough patches, great for my first real adventure! Too icy for hiking! Not sure where the snowline is now. I'll definitely let you know! It was beautiful as always! I look forward to more trips up there!
That whole area is a really great place to hike! Will be spending lots of time out there when the days get longer.